'UCC Will Be Implemented In 21 States Before 2029': Amit Shah Makes Big Announcement - News18

**Headline:** *UCC Will Be Implemented In 21 States Before 2029: Amit Shah Makes Big Announcement*

The Home Minister, Amit Shah, announced on Thursday that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) intends to introduce a Uniform Civil Code (UCC) in 21 states under its governance by the end of 2029. The declaration, made at a press conference in New Delhi, underscored the central government’s long‑standing commitment to “provide a common set of civil laws for all citizens irrespective of religion, caste or creed.” Shah said the move would be pursued through a collaborative process with state governments, legal experts, and civil‑society stakeholders to ensure smooth legislative drafting and implementation.

The 21 states cited include those where the BJP holds a majority as well as several coalition partners, spanning a geographically and demographically diverse segment of the country. While the central government retains the constitutional power to legislate on marriage, divorce, inheritance and adoption under Articles 44 and 246 of the Constitution, many of the states have historically exercised autonomy over personal law matters. Officials indicated that the rollout will be phased, beginning with pilot reforms in areas such as property rights and succession, before expanding to marriage and divorce statutes. The timeline allows for extensive consultations, capacity‑building in state law ministries, and the formation of a joint parliamentary‑state committee to oversee the transition.

Reactions have been mixed. Pro‑UCC groups welcomed the promise as a step toward gender equality and national integration, noting that a common code could streamline judicial processes and reduce inter‑community disputes. Conversely, several opposition parties and minority‑rights organisations warned that a rushed implementation could infringe on religious freedoms guaranteed by the Constitution’s secular ethos. Legal scholars also highlighted the need to address complex issues such as personal law jurisprudence, regional variations in customary practices, and the potential for protracted litigation. The government has pledged to address these concerns through “transparent deliberations” and to seek a consensus that respects India’s pluralistic fabric while advancing the goal of a uniform civil framework.